Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Lescol, Lescol XL

Generic Name: fluvastatin (Pronunciation: FLOO va sta tin)

• What is fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL)?
• What are the possible side effects of fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL)?
• What is the most important information I should know about fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL)?
• How should I take fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Lescol, Lescol XL)?
• What happens if I overdose (Lescol, Lescol XL)?
• What should I avoid while taking fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL)?
• What other drugs will affect fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL)?

Fluvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medication that blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.

Fluvastatin reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol in the blood. Lowering your cholesterol can help prevent heart disease and hardening of the arteries, conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease.

Fluvastatin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Lescol 20 mg

red/yellow, imprinted with S 20, LESCOL

Lescol 40 mg

red/yellow, imprinted with S 40, LESCOL

Lescol XL 80 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with LESCOL XL, 80

What are the possible side effects of fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using fluvastatin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild stomach pain, gas, bloating, stomach upset, heartburn;
• nausea;
• constipation; or
• diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL)?

In rare cases, fluvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine.

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Do not take fluvastatin if you have liver disease, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Before taking fluvastatin, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, underactive thyroid, kidney disease, a muscle disorder, or a blood disorder:

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Fluvastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking fluvastatin. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking fluvastatin.

There are many other drugs that can interact with fluvastatin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.